I didn't use any outside sources to gather the information I have written here. My only source of information is the notes given out in math class. I also used the help of my graghing calculator to answer the question I created.

This objective gives you a triangle that has two known sides, and an unknown one. The question asks you to find the third side length.
The question looks like this: Side A=5cm Side B=7cm Side C=? Find the length of side "C".

To solve for Side "C" you need to use these steps:

Step 1: Write out the formula. "A^2+B^2=C^2"
Step 2: Put in the known lengths. "5^2+7^2=C^2" righttriangle.gif
Step 3: Square the numbers. "25+49=C^2"
Step 4: Add. "74=C^2"
Step 5: Square root. "sqr74=8.6"
Step 6: Answer in a sentence (remember to give the units it is measured in). "Side "C" was calculated to be 8.6cm in length."

Without the steps listed, the formula, and answer would look like this:
"A^2+B^2=C^2"
"5^2+7^2=C^2"
"25+49=C^2"
"74=C^2"
"sqr74=8.6cm"
"Side "C" was calculated to be 8.6cm in length."

Side "C" is always the HYPOTENUSE. But not every question will ask for the hypotenuse. If this is so, the formula will change to suit the question. Also, be sure that when you solve for "C" or the hypotenuse, that it is the longest of the three sides.

Say a question wants you to find side "A". The formula would than be "C^2-B^2=A^2" Or if the question wants you to find side "B", than the formula will be
"C^2-A^2=B^2" Even though the formula has been rearranged, the steps used to answer the given question, to solve for "C", remains the same. You write the formula, put in the known lengths, square the known numbers, subtract the numbers (in these cases), and get the answer by square rooting your previous answer.

It is always a good idea to answer a question with a sentence, along with the conclusion you came to. So to complete the answer, you would write, "Side "C" was calculated to be "8.6"(along with what ever units the question gives you)." It is just as good to show your work, so you can look back, and use the question, and answer, as a reminder to how you solved the question, for future referances.